A Review of Key Factors Influencing Extension of Time (EoT) Applications in Malaysian Institute of Architects (MIA) Contracts

The construction industry significantly contributes to a country’s economic development, particularly in Malaysia, where it has evolved from a labour-intensive sector to a modernized one. Despite its growth, the industry faces challenges, especially in managing project timelines, leading to an increased demand for Extensions of Time (EoT) due to delays. This paper involves systematic gathering and analysing existing research findings related to EoT applications. This approach focuses on understanding contractual clauses, legal frameworks, and project management practices. By synthesizing insights from academic articles, the review identifies common challenges and gaps in research, such as unclear provisions or limited empirical data while highlighting areas for future investigation to improve EoT management in Malaysia’s construction industry. This paper examines the factors influencing EoT applications within the framework of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (MIA) Standard Form of Contract 2018. It identifies common reasons for the rejection of EoT claims, including the failure to establish a cause-effect relationship, inadequate supporting documents, late submissions, non-valid reasons, non-compliance with contractual requirements, and insufficient breakdown of claim amounts. The paper also highlights reasons for the late submission of EoT applications, such as inexperience among site staff and poor paperwork control. Additionally, the research emphasizes critical success factors for EoT applications, structured around the CEES framework – Cause, Effect, Entitlement, and Substantiation, along with the importance of clear Presentation. The study concludes by presenting a comprehensive overview of both unsuccessful and successful EoT application factors, aiming to enhance understanding and improve EoT claim management in the Malaysian construction industry. By identifying these elements, the paper contributes to better project management practices and addresses the complexities associated with EoT applications, ultimately supporting the construction sector’s role in national economic growth.